Introduction

Umrah is something many of us dream of doing at least once in our lives. But when the opportunity finally comes closer, it’s not unusual to feel unsure. Along with excitement, we also feel nervous: “What if I can’t manage?” We all know the process. We know the rituals, the steps, and what to recite. But what we don’t always know are the little details. For example, we’re told we’ll have to walk a lot—but how much is a lot? What does that feel like when you’re jetlagged, running on little sleep, or managing children or aging knees? These are the things that don’t always get spoken about.

To give you a clearer idea of the experience through the eyes of Muslim women, this blog shares two real-life journeys—each unique, yet deeply rooted in faith. One is of a 77-year-old woman who went with her son. The other, of a woman in her 30s who traveled with her husband and two young children, aged 10 and 3.

Two different lives. Two different challenges. But the same motivation: to strengthen their faith, visit the holy city, and experience Umrah.

Through both stories, we’ll try to capture the emotional and physical parts of their journey—so that when your turn comes, you set off with more clarity and hopefully, a little less nervousness.

EXPERIENCE ONE:

TAZIN, 77 YEARS OLD

Overall Experience 

For 77-year-old Tazin, Umrah was a deeply humbling experience—one that brought a quiet awareness of how small we truly are. “When you see the huge number of people gathered there, you realize how much importance we give to the duniya and to ourselves. But in that space, you’re just one among millions. A tiny speck in the universe.”

She described the feeling of being in the Haram as one where everything else faded away. “It’s as if nothing matters—not the floors, not the ceilings. There’s nothing above or beneath you. It’s just the Almighty and you.”

One thing that she really loved seeing was the collective security and trust among people. “As soon as the adhan is heard, people drop everything. Shops stay open, belongings are left behind, and everyone walks towards prayer—without any fear of theft. It’s something you rarely see in the world outside.”

Due to her age, Tazin couldn’t always make it to the Haram for every prayer. But she mentioned how the imam can be followed from the hotel room as well—a relief for many who may not always be able to physically make it in time. She stayed in a hotel right next to the Haram, something she recommends if it’s within one’s means. “When you're older, proximity really matters—it saves your energy for the rituals that truly require it.”

For her tawaf, she used a wheelchair while her son walked alongside. Despite this, she came prepared—carrying essentials and taking care of her health at each step.

Key Takeaways from Her Journey

●      You feel small, but in a way that connects you to something far greater than yourself.

●      Seeing strangers leave their shops open and rush to prayer builds a quiet kind of faith in humanity.

●      You don’t have to do everything the hard way to gain reward. Follow the imam from your room if needed, use a wheelchair, or choose a nearby hotel if you can.

Preparation Tips and Practical Pointers

Based on Tazin’s experience, here are some tips especially useful for elderly pilgrims or anyone wanting to go prepared:

1. Book a hotel as close as possible to the Haram (even if it means stretching your budget a bit). 
2. Always keep water on hand
   
   
3. Wear comfortable shoes.
   
   
4. Carry medicines for leg pain, mild fever, acidity, and electrolytes.
   
   
5. Try to walk a little daily before your trip to build stamina. 

EXPERIENCE TWO:

SAIMA, 30 YEARS OLD

Overall Experience

Saima, 30, went for Umrah with her husband and two sons—one aged 10, the other just 3. The younger one clung to her through most of the trip, which made it physically tiring. She had to carry him during tawaf and adjust her pace constantly—pausing when he got restless, and slowing down when he felt tired. Most of her attention went into making sure he was okay.

But in many ways, she said, it was worth it. She felt Umrah was a great experience for children—not just because they see a new place, but because of the opportunity it gave them to witness so many people from the Ummah, which made them feel a lot more connected. Her older son tried to absorb it all and was visibly a lot more curious, a lot more eager to learn about his faith. Even after coming back, the change is there—he’s more connected to his faith. This is what happens when you visit the Almighty’s place.

She herself found the experience to be enlightening. In the middle of all the physical tiredness, she felt closer to Allah, more grounded, and deeply grateful for all the blessings in her life.

Key Takeaways from Her Journey

●      It’s not always going to go smoothly, especially with younger kids and that’s okay.

●      You might miss out on some things or have to cut some plans short, but the experience still counts.

●      The small, quiet moments with family stay with you just as much as the big rituals.

Preparation Tips for Parents Travelling with Young Children

1. Bring a baby carrier. It is easier than a stroller during tawaf or in crowded areas.
   
   
2. Carry small snacks and water. Kids get tired and cranky quickly; keep something handy to avoid a meltdown.
   
   
3. Carry a few-medications approved for children.
   
   
4. Choose a hotel within walking distance of the Haram to reduce fatigue.
   
   
5. Practice walking at home with your kids before the trip.
    

Here are a few other tips for parents traveling to Umrah with kids.

Conclusion

Tazin and Saima’s journeys show that everyone experiences Umrah differently. For some, it’s physically hard. For others, the challenge is in balancing family or age. But in both cases, the effort, the intention, and the quiet moments of connection are what stay with you.

You don’t need to have a perfect trip. Things might not go according to plan—and that’s okay. What matters is showing up with sincerity and making the most of your time there, however that looks.

As Sheikh Yasir Qadhi puts it, “Every step you take, every tawaf you complete, every dua you whisper in that sacred space—none of it goes unnoticed by Allah.”

So if you’ve been called to go, go prepared—but also go with trust. Whatever happens, you’re not alone in it.

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